Posters are a powerful tool for communication and marketing. Whether you’re promoting an event, advertising a product, or just looking to add some flair to your space, understanding the intricacies of poster printing can help you achieve the best results. This guide covers everything from sizes and paper stocks to artwork specifications and turnaround times, ensuring you’re well-equipped to create stunning posters for any need.
Understanding Poster Sizes
A3 Posters (303mm x 426mm with bleed)
A3 posters are a popular choice for various applications. The standard size is 297mm x 420mm, but when adding bleed, the dimensions extend to 303mm x 426mm. This size is ideal for notices, event posters, and advertising materials where space is somewhat limited but still offers enough room to grab attention.
A2 Posters (594mm x 420mm)
Moving up in size, A2 posters measure 594mm x 420mm. This size is excellent for showcasing artwork, promotions, and important announcements. A2 posters offer a larger canvas, making them suitable for window displays and gallery exhibitions. The silk paper stock used for A2 posters gives them a sleek, professional finish with vibrant colours.
A1 Posters (841mm x 594mm)
A1 posters are even larger, at 841mm x 594mm. This size is perfect for high-impact displays and environments where visibility from a distance is crucial. The A1 size provides ample space for detailed graphics and text, making it a popular choice for events, exhibitions, and public information.
A0 Posters (1189mm x 841mm)
For those looking to make a substantial impact, A0 posters are the way to go. Measuring 1189mm x 841mm, A0 posters are ideal for large-scale advertising and promotions. Their size ensures that they stand out in any setting, be it a trade show or a busy street corner.
60cm x 90cm Posters
This size is a standard choice for those who need something slightly larger than A1 but not as oversized as A0. Measuring 60cm x 90cm, these posters are versatile and fit well into most standard frames, making them suitable for both home and office use.
50cm x 70cm Posters
Similar to the 60cm x 90cm posters, the 50cm x 70cm size is another popular option. It strikes a balance between being eye-catching and easy to frame. This size is great for promotional materials, art prints, and event posters.
40cm x 50cm Posters
A slightly smaller option, 40cm x 50cm posters are perfect for more intimate displays. They are often used for personal art pieces or smaller-scale advertisements. Their size makes them easy to frame and hang in various settings.
30cm x 40cm Posters
At 30cm x 40cm, these posters are the smallest in the range discussed here. They are ideal for more personal or smaller-scale applications. Whether it’s a small event poster or a decorative piece, this size offers a compact option that still makes an impact.
Paper Stocks and Finishes
Silk Paper Stock
Silk paper stock is known for its luxurious feel and excellent ink-to-paper contrast. It’s coated to provide a smooth, satin-like finish that enhances the vibrancy of printed colours. This paper stock is commonly used for A2, A1, and A0 posters, offering a high-quality appearance that’s perfect for both art and commercial applications.
Gloss Paper Stock
Gloss paper provides a shiny, reflective finish that makes colours appear more vibrant and images more striking. This paper stock is often chosen for posters that require a high-impact, eye-catching presentation. It’s a great choice for promotional materials and advertisements.
Matt Paper Stock
Matt paper has a non-reflective surface that gives a more subdued, sophisticated look. It is often used for posters where a more understated appearance is desired. The matt finish helps reduce glare and ensures that the text and images remain easy to read.
Lamination Options
Lamination adds a protective layer to posters, making them more durable and resistant to wear and tear. It can be done in either a glossy or matt finish, depending on the desired effect. Lamination is particularly useful for posters intended for outdoor use or those that will be handled frequently.
PVC Paper Stock
For posters that need to withstand the elements, PVC paper stock is an excellent choice. It is water-resistant and durable, making it suitable for outdoor advertising and situations where the poster may be exposed to moisture.
Artwork Specifications
Size and Bleed
When preparing your artwork for printing, it’s crucial to account for bleed. Bleed refers to the area of the design that extends beyond the final trim size to ensure that there are no white edges when the poster is cut. For most poster sizes, the bleed is 3mm on all sides. For example, if you’re printing an A3 poster, the artwork should be set to 297mm x 420mm with a bleed of 3mm, resulting in a final size of 303mm x 426mm.
Resolution
To ensure high-quality prints, the resolution of your artwork should be at least 300 dpi (dots per inch). This resolution ensures that the images and text are crisp and clear, even when viewed up close. Lower resolutions may result in pixelation and a loss of detail.
Format
The preferred formats for submitting artwork are PDF or JPEG. PDFs are often preferred for their ability to maintain quality and format consistency, while JPEGs are suitable for images. Ensure that your files are saved in CMYK colour mode, as this is the standard for printing. RGB and Pantones will be converted to CMYK, which might slightly alter the colours.
Fonts
Fonts should either be outlined or embedded in the artwork file. Outlining converts text into vector shapes, ensuring that fonts are displayed correctly regardless of whether they are installed on the printer’s system. Embedding fonts ensures that the text appears as intended.
Colour
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key/Black) is the colour mode used for printing. It’s important to use CMYK colours for accurate colour reproduction. RGB colours, used for screens, are converted to CMYK, which can lead to slight colour variations.
Margin/Safe Zone
The safe zone is the area within the bleed where important content should be kept to avoid being cut off. A 3mm margin is typically recommended to ensure that no crucial information is lost during the trimming process.
Turnaround Times
Same-Day Collection
For urgent projects, same-day collection is available for selected products. To ensure same-day service, artwork must be approved by 3 pm. This service is ideal for last-minute events or emergencies when you need your posters ready as quickly as possible.
Next Day Dispatch
For slightly less urgent needs, next-day dispatch is an option. This allows you to receive your posters within 24 hours of approving your artwork, giving you a bit more time to finalise your designs without the immediate pressure of same-day collection.
3-4 Working Days
For standard orders, a turnaround time of 3-4 working days is typical. This timeframe provides ample time for printing and quality checks, ensuring that your posters are produced to a high standard.
Delivery and Packaging
Plain Label Packaging
To keep costs down and focus on the quality of the print, posters are often packaged with plain labels. This simple approach ensures that the posters are protected during transit without additional packaging costs.
VAT and Delivery
All prices are subject to applicable VAT, which will be added at checkout. Delivery dates are estimated and may vary based on your location and the specifics of your order.
On-Site Services
For those needing customisation or additional services, an on-site walk-in service is available at our London-based shop. This service is useful if you need personal assistance or modifications to match your exact requirements.
Bespoke Print Services
If you have specific needs that aren’t met by the standard options, bespoke print services are available. You can contact us via email or phone to request a quote for custom printing solutions.
Refunds and Claims
Claims for damages, delays, or quality issues must be made within 24 hours of delivery. We aim to resolve issues promptly, and our refund process typically takes up to 3 working days once agreed upon.
Design Services
Full Print Design Service
Our in-house graphic designers offer a full print design service to help you create the perfect poster. Whether you need a simple adjustment or a complete design, our team is here to assist. Charges and turnaround times vary based on the complexity of the design.
Artwork Check
Once you upload your artwork, it will be reviewed for major technical issues. If you’re unsure about your design or need further assistance, our professionals are available to provide guidance and ensure your artwork meets all the printing requirements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the nuances of posters printing can greatly enhance the effectiveness of your promotional efforts and creative projects. By selecting the appropriate size and paper stock, preparing your artwork with precision, and understanding the turnaround times and delivery options, you can ensure that your posters not only meet but exceed your expectations. Whether you’re aiming for a striking display to capture attention or a sleek design for a professional presentation, the key lies in paying attention to every detail of the printing process. Armed with the knowledge from this guide, you can confidently approach your poster projects, knowing you’re equipped to produce high-quality, impactful results that will engage and inform your audience effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the standard sizes for posters?
The most common poster sizes include A3 (297mm x 420mm), A2 (420mm x 594mm), A1 (594mm x 841mm), and A0 (841mm x 1189mm). Other popular sizes include 60cm x 90cm, 50cm x 70cm, 40cm x 50cm, and 30cm x 40cm.
2. What paper stocks are available for printing posters?
Posters can be printed on a variety of paper stocks, including silk, gloss, matt, and PVC. Silk paper offers a smooth, satin finish, gloss paper provides a shiny, reflective surface, matt paper gives a non-reflective, sophisticated look, and PVC paper is durable and water-resistant for outdoor use.
3. How should I prepare my artwork for printing?
Artwork should be prepared with a 3mm bleed on all sides, saved in CMYK colour mode, and at a resolution of 300 dpi. Fonts should be outlined or embedded, and files are best submitted in PDF or JPEG formats.
4. What are the turnaround times for poster printing?
Turnaround times vary based on urgency. Same-day collection is available if artwork is approved by 3 pm. Next-day dispatch is possible for less urgent needs, and standard orders typically have a turnaround time of 3-4 working days.
5. Can I get help with poster design?
Yes, a full print design service is available. In-house graphic designers can assist with creating or adjusting your poster design to ensure it meets all printing requirements. Charges and turnaround times for design services depend on the complexity of the work.